Buffalo Bills
Inspired by death of 11-year old brother, Bills' Eric Wood nominated for Walter
Payton Man of the Year award

The announced on Wednesday that center Eric Wood was selected as their nominee
for the NFL's prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award. It's Wood for the
second consecutive year was nominated for the award. He is in his eighth season
after being Buffalo's second selection in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
He facilitated three running backs in eclipsing 500 rushing yards rushing in
2015 and was selected to represent the team in the Pro Bowl.
Wood's selection by Buffalo as their nominee for the Walter Payton award comes
as no surprise to anyone that knows him. His tireless effort on and off the
field has made him a deeply respected member of the Western New York community.
He has been known for his charitable work. In addition to?Bills Play 60 program
along with the Billieve/A Crucial Catch outreach and Salute to Service
initiatives, Wood established his own The Eric Wood Foundation in 2014 for
assisting children and families throughout the Greater Buffalo region with
seriously ill, special needs, and physically challenged with daily encouragement
and life-changing experiences.
Eric was inspired to start the foundation by his brother Evan who passed away at
age 11 from severe cerebral palsy. Since the inception of the foundation, nearly
$400,000 has been raised to directly impact the lives of those who need it most.